While all spiders use venom to one extent or another, most spiders do not represent a danger to humans There are some species that can cause pain, injury and even death if they deliver their toxins in sufficient quantities. Some of these spiders are found in the Netherlands, and can cause health problems for people bitten by them.

Tangle-Web Spider

Sometimes called the comb-footed spider, tangle-web spiders of the family Theridiidae come in over 500 different species across Europe, many of which can be found in the Netherlands from 24 different genera. They generally live on dry, rocky walls,inside a house, in sheds, or other dry areas. These spiders have oval or round abdomens, two rows of four eyes usually surrounded by a brownish ring. The species if the Theridiidae family can range in size from about 1.5 mm to 7 mm. Some of these spiders pose a stinging danger to humans, on par with about a bee sting, and hospitalizations are rare.

False Widow Spiders

Unlike their infamous cousins, the black widows, false widow spiders of the genus Steatoda can be found in the Netherlands. These spiders possess venom that can cause pain or complications in humans with pre-existing medical conditions. They come in a wide variety of species, many of which resemble the widow spiders in appearance, with the shiny black color and long legs.

Rabbit Hutch Spiders

Also known as the "coffee bean spider" because of its resemblance to coffee beans these small, brown, round spiders come in a number of different species, some of which can be found in the Netherlands. It belongs to the same family as the infamous black widows, the Theridiidae, and are usually quite small, and range in size between 4.5 and 7 mm in length. Like other spiders in this family, they have oval, or round abdomens, with two rows of four eyes. Their venom has been known to cause irritation and skin problems, and occasionally require medical treatment.

Wolf Spiders

There are several species of the Lycosa family of spiders in the Netherlands. Generally referred to as wolf spiders, these spiders are generally found wandering or hunting on the ground. They can range from 4.5 to 7.5 mm in length, and are generally of a brown or dark brown coloration. Though venomous, bites from these spiders generally cause only pain, and they are not considered dangerous.

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About the Author

Roger Thorne is an attorney who began freelance writing in 2003. He has written for publications ranging from "MotorHome" magazine to "Cruising World." Thorne specializes in writing for law firms, Web sites, and professionals. He has a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas.

Photo Credits

Jumping spider with Lynx Spider in the mouth image by Lim Tiaw Leong from Fotolia.com